34 channels to go off air after govt issues order

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has asked all the deputy commissioners of the state to take action against transmission of 34 TV channels, including those from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, saying they have the potential to incite violence and create law and order situation, media reports said on Sunday. The directive comes after the Centre asked the state government to take immediate steps to stop the unauthorised broadcast of Pakistani and Saudi Arabian channels in the state, the reports added.

“It has been reported that the cable operators in the Valley have been transmitting certain TV channels (which are not permitted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India).

“It needs to be noted that transmission of non-permitted TV channels apart from attracting the violation (of the law), has the potential to encourage or incite violence and create law and order disturbances in the Kashmir Valley,” an order issued yesterday by Principal Secretary, Home Department, R K Goyal, to all the deputy magistrates (deputy commissioners) of the state said.

Goyal asked deputy commissioners to clarify as to what action has been taken in regard to media reports that certain cable operators were transmitting such non-permitted channels and also directed them to take urgent necessary action.

“In the circumstances, it is impressed upon you to ensure that urgent necessary action is taken in accordance with provisions of law,” the order reads.

He said the transmission of non-permitted TV channels by the cable operators attracts violation of the Cable TV Networks Regulation Rules.

“As per Section 11 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, the district magistrate has the power to seize the equipment in case of a violation,” the order reads.

On Friday, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu spoke with the state chief secretary over the issue and sought a compliance report at the earliest.

He expressed concern over reports that these channels were being broadcast in Jammu and Kashmir without permission.

The State Home Department, which is headed by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has listed 34 such channels belonging to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia including Zakir Naik’s banned Peace TV.